Originally Posted by
the400kid
I want to use AAdvantage miles for a one way trip to London next June 8th and I live in South Florida. No matter how I slice it the site keeps returning a mileage requirement of 60k, which I think is outrageous because it's twice that of a few days and months prior.
Now if I enter JFK or EWR to LHR, it shows 30k, which is what I'm prepared to fork over. But enter any airport in South Florida, MIA, FLL or PBI to LHR and the mileage requirement doubles. I've even entered multiple segments but the system is just too smart. I also noticed that on that date flights on AA are only offered, not BA as the other days.
Can anybody offer any workarounds which I may not have thought of other than paying for a cheap flight to JFK? The date is pretty critical since I already have free hotel stays already booked for those next two weeks.
It's very hard to be sure to get an award on an exact date, but since you are able to see the "hard" flights (the over-the-water flights), I'd make a note of them, then search for connections from an airport close to you to an airport where the over-the-water departs from. When you find it, call and ask for a connection with the route you just put together. Even if you have to pay a $25 ticketing fee, I'd think it'd be worth it.
Originally Posted by
huayuanstar
My real question is: do they ever open up awards after it shows that none are available? I booked a saver award in economy from ORD to PEK but want to get it in business or first at the unavailable 55k or 67.5 rate. Do they let planes fly with empty seats in business or first rather than sell the seats for the lower number of "saver" miles? Or can I expect them to open up those seats before the plane leaves? I've never seen 1st or business full on that route.
I've certainly been on AA flights to/from PEK and PVG where the plane was full, every seat in every cabin gone. Usually, EF will have shown F and J as only half full the day before, but then it turns out to be packed.
As for your core question, AA
might release extra seats close to flight time, but you can't
expect it. If it was me, I wouldn't book a coach award and hope business or first opens up. I'd want to be confirmed in F or J. Even if that meant purchasing a ticket and upgrading.
Originally Posted by
Paulchili
This data simply shows that AA has released more seats closer to time of travel – in this case for the next 45 days or so.
This works great for all the impromptu travels and those that don’t have to schedule their trips in advance (such as vacations at work, weddings, or cruises, etc).
It does seem that AA has become more restrictive with MileSAAver awards on over-the-water flights. They
might release some close-in, but as you say, not good for planning ahead.
Originally Posted by
Austinrunner
Anyone need additional proof that being patient with AA award availability can pay off?
Sure, it
can but it also might not. Depends on how lucky one gets.